During the ceremony, all eyes may be on the two of you, but your guests will still be paying attention to the little details. From the guests’ first arrival to the venue, the wedding celebration is truly a sensory experience. What they see, hear, touch, smell – all add to their overall impression. Here are a few thoughts to consider to give your guests a welcoming and wonderful experience. This post addresses specifically the time the guests arrive to when you walk the aisle as newlyweds!

PARKING

Make sure that the venue has ample parking and if not, arrange a shuttle, or valet service. If you know there are guests with limited mobility, map out the safest route so ushers or signage can direct them accordingly.

SIGNAGE

Be strategic where to place signs so guests are properly oriented to the day’s events. Chalkboards are still the latest trends in signage, but wood planks and window panes are also popular. Try something different like blackened metal, marble, slate, and tile. Whatever the surface, make sure the signs are legible and most importantly, that they clearly direct guests with locations, instructions, and event timelines.

REFRESHMENTS

It’s no fun as a guest to brave some windy country road to your secluded venue destination on a hot day, only to arrive to the site, sweaty in a suit, without any cold water to drink! Pre-wedding refreshments not only welcome guests but tell them you care about their comfort as well as their health. Have a table set up with cool herb- and fruit-infused water. Wine and champagne are options to consider. Have candy and mints available, or go for lite appetizer fare if appropriate.

WELCOME AND GIFT TABLE

One smart landing spot for guests is the welcome table. Draped and decorated for a cohesive look with your wedding, the table can have the guest book, framed couple engagement photos, and space for cards/gifts.

MUSIC

The prelude music offers guests some level of entertainment and ambience that signals a special affair. Choose a DJ that will play that perfect song list or the live musician who can put your guests into the mood for a wedding.

SEATING

Whether you have invited 16 or 160, comfort is key. The chair itself does not have to be the most expensive to rent, but think about the placement so that guests do not have to withstand extremes of weather, for instance, glaring, direct sun. Also, angled, curved, and row length can affect the guests’ enjoyment. Ideally, every seat should have a good view of the two of you, and encourage getting to know each other.

CEREMONY LENGTH AND TONE

Your guests came from far and near to see the two of you exchange vows and kiss as newlyweds. They neither want the ceremony to be too short nor too long. But what is “just right”? That’s really up to you, but a typical ceremony length is between 20-30 minutes, including the processional and recessional. Also, you want the ceremony to reflect the two of you – do not feel obligated to entertain your guests with bells and whistles at the ceremony, they would rather experience something that is authentically you.

PERSONAL VOWS AND STORY

Some of the more popular elements of a ceremony are the couple’s exchange of personal vows, and a retelling of the story of how they met. Consider adding these to give your ceremony an extra personalized touch that your guests will connect with and enjoy.

Talk to your venue, your planner, your spouse about designing the ceremony space to maximize the guest experience. Dazzling decor and excellent entrees may get the buzz, but thoughtful details give the lasting, memorable impressions of your fabulous celebration!

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